Apple Pay Not Available on This iPhone
This alert appears after an iOS update when there is an issue with the NFC or Secure Element hardware/software that powers Apple Pay. Apple's official fix is the same reinstall flow used for "Cellular Update Failed".
- • On Mac with macOS Catalina 10.15 or later: Ensure your Mac is up to date
- • On Mac with macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier: Ensure you have the latest version of iTunes
- • On PC: Ensure you have the latest version of iTunes or the Apple Devices app
- 1 NFC hardware issue
- 2 Secure Element malfunction
- 3 iOS software glitch
- 4 Region/setting incompatibility
How to Fix Error apple-pay-not-available
Open Settings and Tap the Alert
If you see "Apple Pay requires an Update on this iPhone" after an update, open the Settings app and tap the message to learn more about it.
Back Up Your Device
Make sure you have a current backup of your iPhone in iCloud or on a computer before reinstalling.
Connect to a Computer
Connect your device to a computer with the latest version of macOS, iTunes, or the Apple Devices app. If "Trust this Computer" appears, unlock your device, then tap Trust.
Select Your Device
In Finder or the Apple Devices app, select your device. In iTunes, select it and click Summary.
Reinstall Without Erasing
In Finder or the Apple Devices app, click General (in iTunes, click Summary). Then Command-click (Mac) or Control-click (Windows) Check for Update, and click Download and Update.
Don't Disconnect Until It Completes
Your computer downloads and reinstalls the current version of software on your device. Keep it connected until the process completes.
If the Alert Returns
Check your region in Settings > General > Language & Region, remove and re-add your cards in Wallet & Apple Pay, and check for an iOS update. Contact Apple Support if it persists, since it may indicate a hardware issue.
If you've tried all the steps above and still can't resolve the issue, you may need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. You can also compare your case against Apple's official iOS update and restore errors page.